Schwarzwald-Radweg Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Schwarzwald-Radweg runs 378.1 km from Karlsruhe to Lörrach/Basel. It crosses the Black Forest north to south and demands real climbing with around 7,200 metres of ascent. Start and finish sit on the Upper Rhine; in between it’s low mountain terrain, not riverbank riding.
The Schwarzwald-Radweg is 378.1 km long and links Karlsruhe with Lörrach/Basel. You ride from the edge of the Upper Rhine into the Black Forest, then at the end you drop back out towards the Rhine Valley again – and you’ll really feel the profile (around 7,200 m of climbing and descending). What sets it apart is that clean north–south line over the ridge. This isn’t about easy riverside cruising – it’s proper Black Forest metres, long climbs, and towns where you’ve genuinely earned your break. If you want to get to know the Black Forest as a cycling region, this route gives it to you concentrated. It suits fit touring riders most of all, and e-bike riders who are fine with sustained climbs. For beginners, families, or kids, the overall profile is usually too demanding – it works better as a shorter section ride. Planning your own trip? Use these details as a base for splitting your own stages and setting up your daily distances.
Route Profile
| Distance | 378 km |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Experienced cyclists, Athletes, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
The Most Beautiful Section on the Schwarzwald-Radweg
For a lot of riders, the ridge section is what sticks: you’re a long way from the flat Upper Rhine, and you feel in one go why the route adds up to around 7,200 metres of climbing. Highlight: That "Black Forest in one hit" feel – long climbs, long descents, not many excuses – is exactly what makes this route interesting if you like planning your own sporty tours.
Highlights on the Schwarzwald-Radweg
- Start in Karlsruhe and finish in Lörrach/Basel – a clean north–south crossing.
- Total distance 378.1 km – easy to plan as a multi-day tour with your own stage splits.
- Around 7,200 m of ascent and descent: the Schwarzwald-Radweg isn’t a river path, it’s a profile project.
- A clear shift from the Upper Rhine edge into the Black Forest, then back towards the Rhine Valley at the end.
Accommodations on the Schwarzwald-Radweg
Along the Schwarzwald-Radweg you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Schwarzwald-Radweg there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Schwarzwald-Radweg Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The Schwarzwald-Radweg gives you a no-nonsense north–south crossing from Karlsruhe to Lörrach/Basel over 378.1 km. The upside is its clear character as a low mountain route with around 7,200 metres of climbing; the downside is that the full profile is often too tough for beginners and families. Plan it well – or ride it on an e-bike – and it turns into a really solid self-guided tour.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.